Connecting Communities: Rail trail celebrated

Chamber of Commerce ambassadors, governmental representatives, individuals from the Friends of the Fred Meijer River Valley Rail Trails group and community members gathered Thursday afternoon for a ribbon cutting ceremony for the rail trail improvements connecting Ionia and Saranac.

Chamber of Commerce ambassadors, governmental representatives, individuals from the Friends of the Fred Meijer River Valley Rail Trails group and community members gathered Thursday afternoon for a ribbon cutting ceremony for the rail trail improvements connecting Ionia and Saranac. Ionia County Commissioner and Chair of the Midwest Michigan Rail Trail Authority Lynn Mason attended the ribbon cutting and the social period afterward. “This new section is approximately 8 miles long. It's significant because its the first section of 82 miles to be completed,” Mason said. According to Mason, collaboration is a large part of the rail trail improvements. In addition, Mason cited that this project is one that can be modeled in other areas. “It's no longer just a vision, it's real. This is going to generate more interest, funds, volunteers,” said Mason. Ionia Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Tina Conner Wellman cited that there are many benefits associated with the trail, such as physical, psychological and economical. Conner Wellman, who has biked the trail to Saranac frequently since it opened, said that she has met individuals from different areas each time, such as man from Forest Hills who was on the trail Thursday and joined the ribbon cutting. “The trail will be very beneficial for businesses. It introduces people from other communities to Ionia. This will help us to have a healthy community,” Conner Wellman said. For Friends of the Fred Meijer River Valley Rail Trails group, this improvement means more trail use from the people and more initiative to move forth on projects. “Now, I don't have to drive miles to get on a trail. This connects communities,” said Mark Fritsma of Boston Township, who is one of the directors for the Friends of the Fred Meijer River Valley Rail Trails group. Carolyn Kane, also a director, posits that since the group was created in 2007, they have been working toward the creation of rail trail improvements. “We're so pleased to see such a beautiful product. We're very excited, but the Friends work is not done. We still need money to continue with our projects and improvements,” Kane said. Donations can be made at www.rivervalleyrailtrails.org. “This trail has gone up at lightning speed compared to most,” Fritsma said. According to Fritsma, the remainder of the Clinton-Ionia-Shiawassee trail is expected to be completed next year. “We're excited about welcoming another 2.2 miles in Belding and being able to make more improvements along the way,” said Kane. According to Belding Mayor Ron Gunderson, connections between Belding and nearby towns, such as Ionia and Lowell, are making progress. “I'm excited about welcoming another section of the trail in the near future after the next 2.2 miles is done. The connections between Belding and other areas will progress more rapidly,” Gunderson said. George Raimer, vice-chairperson for the Friends of the Fred Meijer River Valley Rail Trails group, added that in addition to trail improvements and donations, volunteers are needed, too. The Friends of the Fred Meijer River Valley Rail Trails group is hosting its monthly meeting at 7 p.m. Monday at the Pere Marquette Depot in Belding. Individuals are invited to attend to learn more about the trails and how to become involved.